Chapter Text
"Ouch."🥕
"Hold still or you're going to get pricked."👓
Right now, Karakura's most special friend group are at Uryu's place, doing him a favor. Said favor? Being his living MANNEQUINS for his Halloween outfits. A couple of weeks ago Uryu had fixed up a doll for Michina along with gifting 3 other outfits for it. She was, of course, happy, but made the mistake of asking him if he was going to Muzuiro's Halloween party.
He went on a rant saying no costume fits his "aesthetic" properly and he most likely won't have time to go anyway. But, then she plopped down another option. Make costumes. He'll be able to sew his own and get a little money for helping any other last minute trick or treaters. Uryu said he'll think about it, but not long after, he phoned his friends (Chad and Orihime. He'll be damned before he admits he and Ichigo are close) to get measurements of different classmates and clear anything they had to do on Saturday.
🎃
"Why'd I even agree to this crud?"
Ichigo grumbled as a batwing headband was placed on his head. Well, he knew why, but is seriously regretting it. Does he admit getting together outside of school to not leave for a world ending issue is fun? Yes, guilty as charged. But, posing for the world's pickiest "seamstress" is not. Maybe it's because Ichigo didn't hold the bus for Uryu last Tuesday, but he's being forced to model a dress. (Something like a dress)
"Ah, no talking. You move when you do."👓
Uryu snapped, tying a ribbon around the strawberry's waist. Ichigo's outfit is supposed be a "bat cutie" (the idea submitted by Tatsuki) And though it's obviously for girls, he's making men sizes too. Ichigo grumbled something about destroying Uryu's Jack-o-lanterns under his breath, while Chad spoke up.
"Uryu, do I have to wear the glasses the whole time? They're hurting my eyes."
The Quincy shook his head and propped up his own glasses.
"They're only for decoration, Chad. Feel free to remove them anytime."
He replied, casually. He didn't really have anything to say to the other two members of the friend group. (Besides twirl around) Orihime squirmed a bit, saying Uryu was tickling her, but otherwise they were perfectly still. And were allowed a break. Ichigo wasn't going to say it outloud, but he was dying for one of those pumpkin cream things Orihime was eating.
"Hey, Uryu."🍞
She said, grabbing her 3rd pumpkin thing. He grunted in acknowledgement.
"Are you done for today or can I submit another costume idea?"🍞
The boys flinched. None of them had the heart to tell her that MOST of her ideas most likely won't sell. The monkey astronaut did sound good for kids, but the dog samurai and bread girl not so much. Plus, the Quincy believes he was made for much more sophisticated projects than that. But, he'd sooner shoot his own heart out before he told Orihime that. So instead, he lies.
"Unfortunately, we're done for the day."👓
"Hallelujah."🥕
Ichigo muttered. Uryu's glasses whitened and he "accidentally" pulled the ribbon into a tight bow earning a strained 'ouch' from the carrot top.
"Aw, well that's too bad. I had real a good one this time."🍞
Orihime said with her usual bright smile. She was a pumpkin. (It was made in all sizes, meaning she didn't have to keep wearing it.)
"I know, I'll see to it next year-"👓
"Orihime! Please don't eat in your costume!"👓
"Huh, why?"🍞
As Uryu scrambled to brush crumbs off of the 'princess's costume, Ichigo ceased the chance to finally get off the prop stand. He tore off the ribbon and stretched. He looked at the clock.
"Damn. Have we really been here for 3 hours?"🥕
Chad nodded. And while cutting a piece of a pumpkin bundt. Which got Ichigo curious. Why the hell was this pumpkin spread here anyway? He was pretty sure his 'partner in crime' doesn't bake. Definitely not Uryu and Orihime could've brought the bread, due to her new job, but that still doesn't explain everything else. He plucked a cupcake off the table and inspected it.
"Hey Uryu."🥕
"What?"
Used to the snippy responses, the substitute soul reaper continued.
"Where'd you get all this stuff from anyway? I'm sure most of this is for Orihime, but I didn't take you for a holiday guy."
Uryu turned away from the now upset gingerette and pushed up his glasses.
"I'm not. Michina and the rest of the girls visited me earlier and dropped off various desserts."👓
"Even Tatsuki?"🥕
"Even Tatsuki."👓
Uryu fought the urge to roll his eyes. Honestly, how is Ichigo still oblivious about how girly Tatsuki is? She may do martial arts, but she still likes to be feminine. Has he even ever seen her signature?
"Anyway, I didn't expect so many handouts. But, I'm not complaining."👓
The Quincy replied snagging a cookie himself. It's about time he took a break. (It took him 30 minutes find the right shade of black fabric for Chad's jacket earlier) Ichigo chuckled in his throat.
"Looks like you left a serious impression on Michina."
"Who knows, maybe she has a crush on you?"
Uryu blushed and the lens of his glasses turned white again.
"Stow that nonsense immediately!"
🎃
"Alright everyone,"👓
The wearer of specs said, standing before his friends.
"I appreciate your help up until now, but now it's almost time to open the door."
He grabbed his clipboard and pushed his glasses back.
"Orihime's content with posing as a pumpkin, Ichigo isn't content with being the bat cutie and Chad is a teacher."👓
As he muttered and wrote down stuff, Orihime hiccuped. Which immediately grabbed Ichigo's attention. In a positive and kinda concerned way.
"Is something wrong?"
He whispered, holding up his winged sleeve to subtlety hide their conversation. 'Hime shook her head.
"I'm a-okay. I just had one too many cookie sandwiches is all. So, don't worry."
She whispered back. That's...mildly concerning, but as long as she's not doubling over in pain, he's fine. Ichigo just smiled and adjusted her pumpkin beret.
"Alright. But if you get a stomach ache, hop down from the podium, okay?"🥕
She gave him an adorable 'okay' and the orange duo went back to somewhat listening to the Quincy's checking everything. After some more last minute "adjustments" (putting makeup on Orihime AND Ichigo, plus lenseless glasses for Chad.) Everyone stood on their podiums and Uryu went to the door. Surprisingly, a lot of people were lined up. From Grandparents to teens holding younger siblings. Ichigo immediately felt self conscious of his costume, but at least no one from school is here.
"Looking good, Ichigo."🥋
Tatsuki snickered. MOST of his class is here. Orihime's friend group came first and are still looking 'magic girl' costumes. Some randos came and laughed at him before checking out some bow props. His neighbor's kid did and said he looked pretty. And let's not forget, the 'orangette' told Rukia about it too. (Luckily, she and Renji aren't here yet)
Noticing his ashamed silence, Tatsuki tilted her head.
"Don't tell me you're embarrassed. This isn't the first time you crossdressed."
"Doesn't mean I like it."🥕
Ichigo grumbled, hiding behind his wings. He squeaked (like a girl) when he was suddenly slapped on the back by a small hand.
"Don't worry, Ichigo. You look great."🍞
Of course, it was Orihime with her endless enthusiasm. She beamed.
"Not only is your dress and tights very festive, but the ribbon shows you have a very nice waist."
Ichigo instantly turned red. It took a moment, but so did Orihime. Before she could nervously laugh off what she just said, her best friend cut back in.
"Any plans after this you two?"
"I know you're not doing anything,"
Tatsuki said shooting a playful look at Orihime.
"But, what about you Ichigo? Any new plans?"
The male ginger shook his head. (He's slowly coming down from earlier's compliment bomb) Besides carving Jack-o-lanterns with Karin and baking with Yuzu. And putting fake blood on the clinic sign with his old man, nothing. Tatsuki just chuckled.
"How about this?"
"You guys just hang out somewhere like you always do. But, maybe at a graveyard this time."
That...was actually a pretty good suggestion. Uryu would have to ice his hands at home after all this. Chad was just going to call his Abuela. Orihime was gonna watch a scary by herself (unfortunately like every other year) and Ichigo could get his crap done in 2 hours. Maybe they should just hang out?
"Well, I gotta go try this on."🥋
Their friend said, holding up a rather showy cheerleading costume. The fem carrot top waved, while the male one cringed. He knows about Tatsuki's pursuit to get a boyfriend before they graduate, but damn does it make his stomach turn every time he catches an attempt. Reminds him of the time Yuzu tried to wear a short skirt for a guy she liked in her class. So gross. His nausea was cut off when he heard another unfortunately familiar voice.
"Is that Ichigo Kurosaki? In a DRESS?"🦲
Ichigo groaned. Ikkaku. And the rest of the idiots he comes along with! Rangiku immediately went to squeeze Orihime.
"Hey Rangik-ugh!"
"Aww, Orihime. It's been too long~"🍒
The strawberry unintentionally blushed at the sight of two pretty girls hugging. (So, he thinks the lieutenant is sexy, who doesn't?) He was a bit concerned about the tightness of the hug, but his girl-er Orihime is pretty durable. He instantly frowned when he heard the 3rd seat clear his throat. He turned.
"It's not a dress, jerks. It's a...long shirt."🥕
Yumichika scoffed right back and put his hands on his hips.
"And I'm ugly. Although, I respect whatever crossdressing thing you're going through. I could never."
"It's not a dress, damnit!"🥕
Steamed practically poured out of Ichigo's ears and he flushed. He crossed his arms with a huff.
"What the hell are you guys even doing here anyway? I'm pretty sure the Soul society doesn't have Halloween."
Ikkaku snickered and grabbed a (luckily fake) sword prop.
"Cause, Renji told us if you dress up in the world of the living, you get free food."
They do know that's only for night day, right? And it's candy.
Ichigo and Chad thought, simultaneously. The sub soul reaper just sighed.
"Whatever, just steer clear of me while you guys shop."
🎃
"Hanh~? This cost how much?"🍒
"Twenty five dollars, Rangiku."👓
Ichigo couldn't stop snickering into his cup. (He's on break) When the "shop" first opened, Uryu was too happy to answer any questions about his design and give an unwanted tale of where he got his inspiration. But, now he's getting worked. Constantly telling people not to pull off the tags before purchases, not to go into any other room in the apartment that's not the bathroom and the prices do NOT change. And now Rangiku's hassling him over the price of a yellow ball gown.
It shouldn't be funny, but after all the sass he dished out earlier, Ichigo's trying not to burst out laughing. Chad (suddenly) appeared and sat down next to him. Surprisingly, he looked exhausted.
"Uh, you alright there Chad?"🥕
Ichigo asked, sweating slightly. He didn't answer and moved his shaggy hair to the side. Revealing a bunch of glossy KISS marks on his cheek. What the- Did he have a secret girlfriend none of them knew about!? (Actually his Abuela came by)
"What the fu-"🥕
"Ichigo?"🍛
Shit..! It's his sisters. They didn't come with his old man, did they!? Luckily, he was nowhere in sight. Yuzu opened her mouth to speak, but Ichigo already knew her question.
"Yes, it's a dress."🥕
Yuzu's shocked blink wasn't surprising, but Karin's awe was. He expected her to be grossed out or disappointed, but she wasn't. She turned to Uryu. (Who was busy pulling a child and Orihime away from the candy bowl)
"Hey, specs."⚽️
He sighed and grabbed his glasses. They nearly fell off this time.
"For the last time, Ichigo's second younger sister. Call me 'Ishida'."
Karin scoffed, resembling her brother perfectly.
"Whatever. Does Ichigo's costume come in kid sizes?"
Uryu nodded and led her to the girl's corner, while Yuzu still remained in front of her brother with a smile. Ichigo returned a lopsided one and chuckled.
"Something wrong?"
She chuckled and smiled.
"It's just funny."
"Ever since I could remember, you always been closed off and grumpy. But, now you have friends. Odd ones, but they fit you. It's nice."
Huh. The Kurosakis' looked over at his friends. Chad was blocking two girls from fighting over an European dress. Uryu was showing Karin other costumes she'd be interested in. And Orihime was just being her usual sweet self and was complimenting a little boy on his new costume. (He got the...space monkey thing) Yuzu was right. It really was nice. Before the whole 'Rukia thing', he was pretty jaded. But, now look at him. Crossdressing and modeling. He chuckled and set his hand on his sister's head.
"Yeah. It is."
Wait a minute- He pinched Yuzu's cheek.
"What do you mean they 'fit' me?"
🎃
The three 'models' laid on the couch, completely exhausted. Their costumes were now shed and on actual mannequins. Leaving them in white tanks and tights. (They looked like ballet trainees) They're a few stragglers left, but there mostly just getting rung up. The day was finally over. Orihime sipped her cider and sighed.
"What a day."🍞
She set her cup down on the coffee table. (Unintentionally, missing the coaster) She stretched and scratched her hair. Ichigo held in a laugh. She hangs out with them too much. His scruffy little quotes and mannerisms are starting to rub off on her. The carrot top himself yawned.
"I'm gonna sleep like a rock tonight."🥕
"How about you, Chad-?"🥕
Both of the strawberries paused when they looked over at the 'tank' of the team. He was fast asleep.
"Damn."🥕
Ichigo said, both impressed and shocked. This was probably the first time he ever saw Chad asleep. Sure, if he didn't stand up straight all time, he'd assume that. But, turns he snores slightly when he's sleep. Weird. Uryu staggered over, once again, pushing his glasses up. (Although this time, it's probably to look somewhat put together) He raised up a light blue envelope.
"We made 1,789 dollars today."👓
"Not bad."👓
Not bad!?
Ichigo, Chad and Orihime thought. That's a pretty big sum of money. Especially for one day. But, for all they know, he could've expected MORE profit today. Ichigo was about to say something snarky as usual when bills were held in front of his face. He blinked.
"What's this?"🥕
Uryu rolled his eyes.
"Obviously, I'm paying you."
"You all did me a service, so it's only natural."
The soul reaper accepted the cash in shock. As did the 'princess'. They know Uryu well enough to know he's "nice" in his own way, but money? It was just modeling for a few weeks and today. But, if he was that grateful, it'd be rude not to accept. Orihime smiled.
"Thanks, Uryu. Glad we could help"🍞
The Quincy blushed, but quickly turned away. He waved off her thanks with his usual preppiness and she just snickered. Ichigo, on the other hand, was a tad peeved about the color he caught on his friend's cheek, but shrugged it off. He understood. Uryu was smiled at by Orihime. Who wouldn't get a bit red? Ichigo stretched and relaxed into the couch.
"So, now what? We just help you clean up and head home?"🥕
He asked. Despite his tone, he was willing to stay around. Hell, they been here this long. Uryu pushed his glasses up. (For the umpteenth time today)
"No, but it would be appreciated-"👓
"Hold everything!"🐰
The friend group paused and the door suddenly burst open. Destroying Uryu's chain lock.
"What the hell!?"👓
He snapped, wondering who was crazy enough to destroy his property like this was a bad neighborhood. Orihime instantly put up a barrier. (After Chad got sought out in his own home, she's been putting them up instinctively) The figures emerged from the shadows, revealing...
Renji and Rukia. Looking exhausted. Did they run here or something? Rukia fixed her hair and cleared her throat.
"You're still open, right?"
Everyone groaned. (Expect Chad, but he was awake and frowning) The day was supposed to be done already. Uryu sighed and this time, took his glasses off. He ran his hand through his hair.
"Technically, yes."
He put his glasses back on and got back into 'business mode'.
"What can I intrest you two in-?"
"Actually."🥕
"We'll take care of this."
He paused and looked at the hand on his shoulder. Ichigo was stopping him? For what? He was gonna ask why, when he was pushed towards Orihime. She caught him with a laugh.
"We got this, Uryu."
She said, setting a gift wrapped rice crispy in his hands.
"Huh? But-"👓
Uryu tried to speak again, but Orihime gently pushed him back into Chad. Instead of bumping into his WALL of a friend's chest, he was wrapped in a blanket! Too distraught to complain (and 'cause the fabric was over his mouth) the Quincy was picked up like a baby and set down on the couch. Chad gave him a little smile and pulled the blanket over his friend's legs.
"Just relax."🥊
He said, before walking over to the gingers. Uryu was in shock. He knows they all cared about him, but this was his business. But...he has been on his feet all day. If anything, Ichigo should've pitched anything earlier, but he won't say anything. He'll just lean back and relax. And listen to the scene next to him.
"Alright Ichigo, look for anything from Bunny girls X."🐰
Rukia said, holding up a picture of an anime she's gotten hooked on recently. Renji chimed in too.
"And I want something from that one knight show too."🍍
"Why the hell are you guys asking me? Chad's here too, y'know."🥕
The duo scoffed and arguing began. Orihime tried to break things up, while Chad held back the carrot top. Uryu just chuckled to himself. It's embarrassing to say out loud, but he's glad they're his friends. Even Ichigo.